Summer of opportunity for Theatre Dept. students, faculty

Posted September 16, 2013

The ACU theatre department received recognition across the country this summer.

Adam Hester, department chair and professor of directing and acting, directed "Mother Divine” for the New York Musical Theatre festival in July – a rare opportunity. The play was one of 10 productions selected for inclusion in the festival program. ACU musical theatre alumni Erick Carter ('11), Jenavene Hester ('09), and Ashley Parizek ('12) were among the cast. Two current musical theatre majors, senior Annie Merritt and sophomore Will McInerny assisted Hester as interns.

Other theatre department students used the summer season to gain new acting experiences locally as well as across the country.

In Clyde, junior musical theatre major Chelsea Butler spent her summer playing the role of Lois Lane in “Kiss Me Kate.” But Chelsea was more than a lead role; she also assisted with costumes and choreography.

Senior musical theatre major Alexandra Bonneau traveled to Fairfield, Iowa, to serve as assistant dance captain for "Annie Get Your Gun" before being cast as Gingy in the musical "Shrek."

Senior musical theatre major Tyler Dunnington and Amanda Jarufe ('13) were selected for roles in professional musicals. Eean Cochran, senior musical theatre major, won a professional contract to dance in the “Dreamgirls” national tour. After the show ended, Cochran stayed in Atlanta, Ga., to play Terk in the Legacy Theatre’s production of “Tarzan.”

“This summer’s experience was incomparable to any other I have had,” said Cochran. “I definitely grew as a performer, artist, and in passion for my purpose and calling.”